A dental crown can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues. Also called caps, these are tooth-like shells that are used to encase an entire tooth. It serves multiple functions: protecting the tooth from further decay and restoring its appearance.
Issues that crowns are often used to fix:
Here are ways that a crown protects the wearer's tooth from further damage:
A dental crown protects teeth by keeping them safe from all the irritants in the mouth. Saliva, bacteria, food particles and acids are responsible for most of the dental issues people develop. Since the crown fully encases the tooth, these substances cannot reach the affected tooth to cause more damage.
For example, acids in the mouth are responsible for the vast majority of tooth decay. Some of these acids get into the mouth via the things a person eats, while others are produced by oral bacteria. These acids eat away at the protective outer layer of tooth (enamel), leaving the more sensitive parts of a tooth exposed.
A crown also protects one's teeth from the forces involved in chewing. This is particularly important if the tooth has already been damaged. A crown restores the structural integrity and function of the tooth, allowing the patient to chew and speak with the damaged tooth as they have always done.
When a tooth is protected with a cap, any fragmented parts of the tooth are held in place by the crown. This prevents the tooth from breaking into small pieces over time. It makes dental crowns an effective way to fix teeth that have fragmented into multiple pieces.
There is not much to getting a dental crown. It starts with an evaluation, during which the dentist examines the patient and their oral issues. If the dentist determines a crown is the best solution, the patient's tooth will be prepared. This might involve removing a portion of enamel to make sure the crown holds tightly onto the remainder of the tooth.
An impression of the patient's mouth is taken, and this is sent to a dental lab that makes crowns. It takes about two weeks for the prosthetic to be ready. The dentist will usually fit the patient with a temporary crown and send them on their way.
Once the crown is ready, the patient is called back for an appointment, during which the temporary crown is taken out and the permanent one installed.
Stop by our San Diego office if you are dealing with a dental problem that requires the use of a crown.
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionvalleydentalarts.com or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at (619) 805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Many circumstances might cause you to look into replacing a missing tooth, regardless of your age. Those who do not take care of their teeth and gums are at particularly high risk for tooth loss, as both gum disease and decay can damage gums, tooth roots, and teeth. Cavities can lead to significant damage, as…
The dentist uses dentures as options for replacing missing teeth in the mouth, correcting aesthetic problems, and allowing you to talk and eat normally. On average, they last up to five years, but they require proper cleaning and maintenance. There are many ways to keep them looking and functionining properly.People often ask the dentist about…
A cosmetic dentist can close gaps between teeth. Medically termed "diastema," a gap between teeth most likely affects the two upper front teeth. However, some people are perfectly happy with the gaps in their smiles. Certain celebrities even consider it part of their signature look. Some gaps are significant, while others are barely noticeable. Either…
Do you have a missing tooth? There are various options for restoring a single missing tooth instead of several missing teeth. Read on to learn about your options. You can make the best selection for your situation if you know all the available options for replacing a lost tooth.Although leaving the lost tooth unreplaced is…
